Question

People concerned about the psychology of women have emphasized that the discipline should include more multicultural research. What are some problems that can arise when researchers use traditional approaches to study people of color?

Why do women of color face special challenges in identifying with the feminist movement? Why would men of color oppose women from their ethnic group who want to be active feminists?

Describe the three basic strands within the men’s movement. Which would be likely to support the growth of the women’s movement? Which would oppose it? Which might consider it irrelevant? Do you see evidence of the men’s movement in your community or in your academic institution?

Answer 1

Why do women of color face special challenges in identifying with the feminist movement?

What is commonly understood as “femininity”, has Eurocentric origins. People of color may not identify themselves with it entirely because of their unique experiences and history. In addition to the prejudices faced together with men of their color, owing to their color, they face additional challenges as women. In short, the prejudices get multiplied. This fact is often overlooked by the traditional feminists. Intersectionality ( as propounded by the scholar Kimberle Crenshaw), is a term that describes this fact well. This is one of the main reasons why women of color face special challenges in identifying with the feminist movement.

Why would men of color oppose women from their ethnic group who want to be active feminists?

Men of color do enjoy privileges owing to their sex and that has been the case for centuries. These have been at the expense of women. Within the community it is the men who dominate most of the political, religious and cultural institutions. There has been a dominance in areas of physical and sexual abuse too. Women have strictly defined gender roles as domesticated people.These aspects are promoted by patriarchy and are the main reasons why men of color would oppose women from their ethnic group who want to be active feminists.

Describe the three basic strands within the men’s movement. Which would be likely to support the growth of the women’s movement?

Mens' competence and achievements in business, in politics and enterprise can be a list of the strands in men's movement. their To take the example of an organization Black Enterprise; men’s movements to showcase achievements of people of color in business and corporates can benefit women too. In fact, it includes women achievers too!

The profeminist men’s movement found common cause with the feminist movement. There have been several efforts where they have supported women like Equal rights amendment, reproductive laws and against employment discrimination.